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Grosgrain Archives

November 13, 2008

Shortly after Lily was born, back when she'd fall asleep in her stroller in the middle of the day, I'd spend my weekend afternoons at Border's sipping coffee and perusing 'free' magazines. One of my favorites was 'New American Paintings'. I'd flip through their pages and long to commission an artist to paint my children. I'd always assumed that it was the sort of thing 'a person of means' would do and not a 26 year-old paying off her student loans.

For those of you readers who have shared my longing, I have a special surprise for you! Susannah Rodgers has agreed to host a giveaway for Grosgrain! Susannah is the oh-so-talented artist behind Sitting Pretty Studios. She offers sweet custom watercolor portraits, block print cards and original paintings. The winner of this giveaway will receive a 9.5" x 11.5" custom watercolor portrait of your child or infant which has a value of $99.

Here is a little bit about the artist....

Susannah RodgersI have a new art studio that consumes most of my time and thoughts lately. I'm a mother three children who crawl and climb all over me while I create. I draw much inspiration from them for my art. When I'm not making art, I can be found hosting tea parties, making forts, or playing pirates on the studio floor. Welcome to my Sitting Pretty Studio world!

Commissioning a portrait is a personal, often special decision, but can be a bit intimidating. I am very experienced in taking portrait commissions and I promise to answer any questions you may have and will help guide you through choosing a photograph to the best of my ability. Below are some answers to frequent questions I receive, but I know you will probably have some questions of your own, so please contact me.

As you can see in the photos, I paint head and shoulders. Please note that I do not paint backgrounds as I feel they take away from the subjects. I will most likely paint the background in a green wash, if you prefer a different color, please let me know.

I lightly sketch the subjects face in pencil and then paint your portrait with watercolors on acid free, archival watercolor paper.

I paint all my portraits from photographs e-mailed or snail-mailed to me( these will be returned to you). Please send up close, full face/shoulder shot in size 5x7 or 4x6.

The best photograph for a portrait is taken up-close and lit by natural light. Can you see the color of the eyes? If I can't see it, I can't paint it. Look for pictures where your child is relaxed and natural.(No professional photographs, please!)

You can expect a 2-3 week waiting period while your portrait is being completed.

UPDATE!!!!!!! Last day for posts is Tuesday 11/25/08. Winner will be announced Thursday morning!

As usual, if you would like a chance to win this commissioned watercolor portrait just link back to this post. If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.

I have a little boy, so I'm glad there is something for me to enter! You've been doing a lot of gender neutral giveaways lately. Thanks! This would be so fun to have. I linked to my blog http://timandlyss.blogspot.com/

This is a REALLY NEAT IDEA!! I just hope that I'm linking to the post correctly, I haven't been able to find my links to the previous to contests I've entered. I would have never thought of comissioning a watercolor, it's a great medium to work with!

How wonderful!! The paintings really capture children! I linked back to you and as I said on my blog, I believe the most priceless artwork is that of our children! With triplets plus 2 more, I would love to win!!

How awesome it would be to win this. I have a son with Autism and a baby girl. It would be great to have a portrait done of my son. He doesnt sit well for pictures. The artist does such beautiful work.

As you mentioned, a dream I've also always had but have never expected to actually realize...a portrait of my children. It's nice to at least have a slim chance of seeing the dream realized! This is a great giveaway!!!

I have three children, a son and two daughters. My first daughter passed away at the age of two before my second daughter was born. Would it be possible to send multiple pictures to you and have one portrait made with all three children? That would be a dream come true for me. Thanks for the info.

Oh I would LOVE this for my SIL and her daughter whom passed. That would be amazing!! Zana is SO wonderful...she offered one for my auction for my niece Mallory! She's just a wonderful person & artist! Your items are wonderful as well though and I cherish each time I get to enter in hopes of winning!Have a wonderful day! Shay

I love her paintings! And perfect timing for the giveaway as Ella Marie just came home from Guatemala a few weeks ago! Thank you so much for the giveaway and I can't wait to see who wins... I created a link.Sarahellamarieboutique.blogspot.com

I myself love art. I have dabbled a little in painting, but have not been as successful as you have. Your talent is amazing. I love that they are so realistic and still have a whimsical feel to them. Your art is beautiful.

This is a great & wonderful idea!! My grandmother had an oil painting commissioned of me when I was 3 years old - 51 years ago(which now I have). I would love to have one of my wonderful grandson (3 yrs old). This is a gift that will last a lifetime. Thank you for offering this great giveaway!! Someone will be very blessed!

I love...love...LOVE these paintings! I'd love to win a portrait of my children for our family room!!! I posted about this giveaway here: http://pankratzfam.blogspot.com/2008/11/commissioned-watercolor-portrait.html

OOOhhh!!! This is so beautiful! My blog is private but I would love to win this! Also I would love to learn how to draw & paint like you! I was linking when I had a beautiful stumble into your blog :)... Thank you for making me day :) Have a great day too!!

I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.